Former Sandwich police commissioner confirmed dead days after arrest

SANDWICH – The DeKalb County coroner confirmed that a former Sandwich police commissioner has died following an incident resulting in his arrest over the weekend.

DeKalb County Coroner Dennis Miller confirmed John R. Perkins, 75, of the 1300 block of Lauren Drive, died early Tuesday, Sept. 3 after being transported from his home to the hospital. That comes after Perkins, who also went by Bob, was charged with aggravated assault and disorderly conduct after he allegedly threatened someone with a pitchfork, according to a DeKalb County Sheriff's Office report.

“He died of unnatural causes suddenly at [Northwestern Medicine] Valley West Hospital,” Miller said.

The sheriff's office report said deputies were dispatched at 7:57 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 31 to the 800 block of Gletty Road for a threat call. Sheriff's officials said in the report Perkins allegedly approached the male victim, held up a pitchfork and said he would put the pitchfork through the victim.

Perkins also allegedly threatened to shoot the victim, the report said. Sheriff's deputies said in the report Perkins was later found at his home and transported to the DeKalb County Jail in Sycamore.

DeKalb County sheriff's officials declined to release information on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 4 concerning when Perkins was released from jail, but they confirmed he was no longer at the jail. DeKalb County Sheriff Roger Scott did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 4.

Perkins resigned as Sandwich police commissioner in July 2018. He also was an active participant at Sandwich City Council meetings, most recently taking issue with alleged debris being dumped on city-owned property near Gletty Road, north of the railroad tracks.

According to an obituary posted on the Eighner Funeral Home website at www.EighnerFuneralHomes.com, Perkins served in the military police while serving in the US Army and then went on to become a police officer for many hears. In addition to his service on the Sandwich Police Commission, he enjoyed fitness and personal training. Perkins and his wife, Delores, owned and operated Total Body Fitness in Somonauk and Big Rock. At one time he had peacocks and loved to fish.

In addition to Delores of Sandwich, Perkins is survived by two children, Kelly (David) Davis of Arkansas and Steve (Malissa) Perkins of Leland; two step children, Jennifer (Damon) Johnson of Yorkville, and Steve (Stefanie) Phillips of Wisconsin; seven grandchildren; two sisters Sandra (Mike) Kelly of Alabama, Patsy Hall of Alabama; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was proceeded in death by his parents and a sister, Gayle.

Private graveside services will be held at Oak Mound Cemetery in Somonauk.